In-N-Out Copycat Recipes
In-N-Out's simple menu hides incredible flavors. Make their Animal Style burgers at home — no secret menu required.
4 recipes
In-N-Out has stayed deliberately small and simple: a short menu, fresh never-frozen beef, hand-cut fries, and a not-so-secret menu everyone seems to know. The whole experience rests on a few things done right, namely a thin smashed patty with crisp lacy edges, a Thousand Island-style spread, and (for Animal Style) mustard griddled onto the patty with extra spread, pickles, and caramelized onions. Our In-N-Out copycats decode the building blocks: the Spread on its own, the Double-Double, the full Animal Style burger with grilled onions and mustard-cooked patties, and even the off-menu Neapolitan shake. Get the spread and the smash technique down and the rest of the menu is just assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in In-N-Out's spread?
It's a Thousand Island-style sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a little sugar and vinegar. Our copycat dials in the tangy-sweet balance. It keeps about a week in the fridge.
What does Animal Style actually mean?
Mustard griddled onto the patty as it cooks, plus extra spread, pickles, and grilled (caramelized) onions. You can order fries Animal Style too, topped with cheese, spread, and grilled onions.
How do I get that smashed-patty crust?
Use 80/20 beef, roll loose balls, and smash them hard onto a very hot griddle or cast iron for the first few seconds. Don't move the patty until you flip; that's how you get the crisp, lacy browned edges.
What's a Neapolitan shake?
An off-menu blend of all three shake flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, swirled together. Our copycat layers them so you get the three-flavor effect in one cup.
Is the spread the same as the sauce on the fries?
Yes, the same spread goes on the burgers and on Animal Style fries. Make one batch and use it everywhere.